When the Job You Need Doesn’t Fit the Life You Live

As a military or veteran caregiver, you face daily challenges, like maintaining meaningful employment, that often go unseen by others. Personal and professional goals don’t stop when caregiving starts, but the path to achieving your goals will change. Consider the suggestions below as you navigate balancing caregiving responsibilities with work, especially when flexibility is non-negotiable.

Start With What You Already Do

If you have taken time away from work to care for your loved one and have some gaps on your resume, don’t minimize the skills you’ve had to develop as a caregiver. You manage schedules, communicate with doctors, advocate, stay organized, and keep calm under pressure. These skills are valuable in any workplace. Reframing caregiving as real-world experience can help you shift your mindset as you look for new opportunities.

Management of household finances is often another task handled by caregivers. As you look for ways to improve your family’s financial well-being through employment, consider using the Caregiver Financial Journey to learn more on money topics  like budgeting, estate planning, and retirement.

Look for Flexible Opportunities

A traditional 9-to-5 may not work for your current situation. Seek out positions that work with your schedule.  Look for job boards designed for caregivers and military spouses that may include remote jobs, freelance gigs, and other flexible roles. Here are a few helpful resources:

• Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
• AARP Supporting Military and Veteran Caregivers at Work
• Hiring Our Heroes
• MSEP (Military Spouse Employment Partnership)
• ACP Mentorship

Learn and Grow on Your Schedule

If you have been out of the workforce, you might be wondering if you still have marketable skills for today’s workforce. Take some time to brush up on your skills in your area of interest. Free online courses through platforms like Coursera and Onward to Opportunity (O2O) can help refresh your knowledge and boost your confidence on your schedule.

Lean on a Community That Gets It

Connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Join local and online caregiver groups and build a community with others who are facing similar challenges. You can exchange job leads, share interview tips, support each other on tough days, and celebrate the big and small wins.

Check out the Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. It’s a lifeline of support, understanding, and encouragement.

One Step at a Time

Balancing caregiving and career are never simple. Some days, it feels impossible. But focus on what you can do like applying for one job, taking one course, or having one networking conversation. Each small step adds up.

Your skills are valuable. Your goals still matter. And even though the path may look different now, meaningful work is still possible.

For more support, visit VA Caregiver Support or reach out to your local Hidden Heroes Community.

The USAA Educational Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt IRS 501(c)(3) and cannot endorse or promote any commercial supplier, product, or service. The content of this blog is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.